'In fact, the Sabres — despite their youth between the pipes — allowed a respectable 219 goals last year. And now, with an upgrade in offense, the Sabres appear poised to make a move up the Eastern Conference standings. (Submitted by: Sabrefan81)

'Whether new ownership is winning back the public after two nonplayoff seasons and the Rigas fiasco is harder to gauge. Golisano resisted any temptation to clean house in the hockey department, retaining Regier and coach Lindy Ruff while bringing back Quinn, the former team president. Three rugged and popular players – Stu Barnes, Vaclav Varada and Rob Ray – were moved before last season's trade deadline. Tough defenseman Rhett Warrener, a top candidate to inherit the captaincy, was dealt in the Drury trade.'

'"I wouldn't characterize (talks) as rough, but we were aware some Russian teams were in the mix," Regier said. "But I think what it came down to first and foremost was his desire to continue his NHL career."'

'"It's great to keep Curtis as a member of the Sabres," said general manager Darcy Regier. "He has consistently been one of the top defensive forwards and has been a valuable member of our organization over his entire career."'

'"Ales is a young forward who has size, strength and excellent playmaking ability," said Sabres general manager Darcy Regier. "Last year he proved he can score goals in this league and we are excited that he will continue his development with our organization."'

Kotalik signed a one-year contract plus an option held by the Sabres that is expected to represent a significant raise over the $450,000 base salary he made last season. Brown signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract, a raise over the $1.53 million he made last season.

“It’s great to keep Curtis as a member of the Sabres,” Regier said. “He has consistently been one of the top defensive forwards and has been a valuable member of our organization over his entire career.”

“Ales is a young forward who has size, strength and excellent play making ability,” said Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. “Last year he proved he can score goals in this league and we are excited that he will continue his development with our organization.”

'The winger inked a one year contract with a team option for a second season. On Wednesday, Darcy Regier acknowledged that Kotalik had received an offer from a Russian team. As a rookie, Kotalik netted 21 goals and 14 assists in just 68 games. He trailed only Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg in rookie goal scoring.'

With a little help from them, that certainly is the expectation. We are very close with Curtis Brown and talks continue with everyone else including Jay McKee, Chris Drury, Miro Satan and Ales Kotalik. We are very close with Curtis, just crossing the Ts and dotting the Is.

'The signing of Brown, who has played six full seasons with the Sabres and appeared in games three other years, will leave Buffalo with just four unsigned NHL players: center Chris Drury, wingers Miroslav Satan and Ales Kotalik and defenseman Jay McKee. Brown will become the sixth Sabres center under contract, joining Steve Begin, Daniel Briere, Tim Connolly, Adam Mair and rookie Derek Roy.'

“I am very proud to announce today that the Buffalo Sabres will be holding a portion of their training camp here in Rochester at the ESL Center. We will relocate our training camp to Rochester from Monday, September 15th through Saturday, September 20th.”

'"He's got more to prove at the collegiate level," Lucia said. "He wants to become a better defensive player. He wants to be able to kill penalties and be out there in the last minute of the game with a one-goal lead. Those are areas he has to take the next step as a player. He understands that, and that's why he wants to return for his sophomore season. Buffalo made a good decision for his future — rather than rushing somebody before they're there and having him lose confidence."'